SIA 2018 strengthened bonds, increased relationships

A child sits on his father’s shoulders as a Royal Thai Air Force Saab JAS 39 C/D Gripen performs during an aerial demonstration in the Singapore International Airshow at Changi Exhibition Centre, Singapore, Feb. 10, 2018. Through participation in airshows and regional events, the U.S. demonstrates its commitment to the security of the Indo-Pacific region, promotes interoperability, displays the flexible combat capabilities of the U.S. military, and creates lasting relationships with international audiences to strengthen the bonds that support partnership building throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Owsianka)

Aircraft sit on display during the Singapore International Airshow 2018, Feb. 10, 2018. Approximately 100,000 attended the airshow and had the opportunity to see multiple aircraft displays and aerial demonstrations by several countries. Through participation in airshows and regional events, the U.S. demonstrates its commitment to the security of the Indo-Pacific region, promotes interoperability, displays the flexible combat capabilities of the U.S. military, and creates lasting relationships with international audiences to strengthen the bonds that support partnership building throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sadie Colbert)

People wait in line to view the inside of a C-17 Globemaster III, during the Singapore International Airshow at Changi Exhibition Centre, Singapore, Feb. 10, 2018. Through participation in airshows and regional events, the U.S. demonstrates its commitment to the security of the Indo-Pacific region, promotes interoperability, displays the flexible combat capabilities of the U.S. military, and creates lasting relationships with international audiences to strengthen the bonds that support partnership building throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Owsianka)

The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific performs for 2018 the Singapore International Airshow at the Singapore Changi Airport and the Changi Exhibition Centre, Singapore, Feb. 10, 2018. Through participation in airshows and regional events, the U.S. demonstrates its commitment to the security of the Indo-Pacific region, promotes interoperability, displays the flexible combat capabilities of the U.S. military, and creates lasting relationships with international audiences to strengthen the bonds that support partnership building throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (Tech. Sgt. Eric Donner)

Approximately 100,000 people poured onto the flightline to experience the 2018 Singapore International Airshow at the Changi Exhibition Centre, Singapore, Feb. 6-11, 2018.

The air show is the largest defense exhibition and biennial international trade and airshow in the Pacific, with approximately 50 nations and foreign delegations and 1,000 defense contractors participating.

“This event was a great opportunity for us to showcase our capabilities as a military to those in attendance,” said Col. Christopher Faurot, Singapore International Airshow U.S. mission commander. “Being here also gives us the chance to engage with foreign partners, to promote regional stability and security while creating lasting relationships to support each other.”

The large crowd had the opportunity to visit the various aircraft in attendence and interact with the aircrews.

“Seeing all of the aircraft has been amazing, especially being able to see all of the aerial demonstrations,” said Weiling Tan, who is attending her first airshow here. “Allowing us to be able to come out, to view the aircraft and interact with the aircrew, is pretty important because it gives us a better understanding of each military’s mission.”

One of the performance that stayed grounded was the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific, which performed twice for the large airshow audience. Another popular stop for the airshow visitors was the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor and, for the first time at the Singapore airshow, the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lighting II. In addition to the 5th generation fighters, the C-17 Globemaster III, E-3B Sentry, RQ-4 Global Hawk, B-52H Stratofortress, P-8 Poseidon, AH-6 Little Bird, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and F-18 Super Hornet provided static displays or aerial demonstrations during the event.

“Being part of the airshow is a good opportunity to see other airframes, interact with aircrews from other nations and strengthen our regional partnerships,” said Tech Sgt. Douglas Tadevich, 535th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III loadmaster. “People may think the military is just about fighting wars, but we are able to talk about our aircraft’s [C-17] capabilities to provide humanitarian assistance around the world. This helped them understand the full range of what we can do.”

By interacting with international partners and allies, the U.S. improved on its already strong ties with Singapore.

“Maintaining regional stability is imperative for us to build on our strong relationships and promote a capacity for security in this region,” Faurot said. “This airshow enabled us to strengthen our partnership with Singapore, promote interoperability, all the while strengthening our relations within the local community.”